Riverside Magnet School at Goodwin College

Frequently Asked Questions about Goodwin's Magnet Elementary School

What is the Riverside Magnet School at Goodwin College?

The Riverside Magnet School (RMS) is an interdistrict early learning magnet elementary school, with students coming from many towns in the area. The program at RMS is based on the Reggio Emilia model, an innovative and internationally respected model for the learning of young children.

What is the Reggio Emilia model?

Children have control over the direction of their learning.

Children have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.

Children learn through touching, moving, listening, seeing, and hearing.

Children have strong relationships with other children and adults.

Families are always welcome and are at the center of all learning.

What ages and grades does the Riverside Magnet School serve?

The school serves students in grades Pre K3 - Grade 3 and will expand to Grade 5 by Fall 2018.
For Pre-K Age 3: A child’s birth date must be between September 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014
For Pre-K Age 4: A child’s birth date must be between September 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013
Kindergarten: A child’s birth date must be between September 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012

Where is the Riverside Magnet School?

The school is located at 29 Willowbrook Road in East Hartford. Our brand new building opened in the fall of 2013 on the Goodwin College campus.

What is the connection between RMS and Goodwin College?

Children at RMS not only have the support of a highly qualified, fully certified staff, they also benefit from additional support from Goodwin College Early Childhood faculty and students. Goodwin College treats the Riverside Magnet School as a living laboratory for best practices in early childhood education.

What are the normal hours that school is in session?

The regular school day begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. On Fridays school is dismissed at 12:00 p.m. to support teacher professional development meetings. Our after school enrichment program is available on a tuition basis, extending the school day until 5:45 p.m.

Will there be programs for children during vacations and holidays?

As a public school we follow the East Hartford Public Schools calendar and are closed during holidays and vacations.

We will have a 4 week Summer Studio Program in the Summer.

Will children of different ages be grouped together in the classrooms?

Children ages 3 and 4 will be grouped together in classrooms. Children Kindergarten and up will be separated by grade.

Are Special Education services available?

We will work with the special needs of all children to ensure that their needs are fully met. We include all children in the regular classroom setting as much as possible.

Is transportation provided?

Bus transportation is provided for all Kindergarten/Grade 1/Grade 2/Grade 3 students and all children living in Hartford. For information regarding transportation please contact CREC transportation at (860) 524-4077.

All other parents or guardians need to provide their own transportation.

How will Parents/Guardians be involved in the Schools?

We encourage the involvement of families as much as possible. Families are always welcome and are very important to the education process.

What is the Student to Teacher Ratio?

Each classroom will have 16-21 students, depending on the grade with 1 state certified Teacher and instructors where needed.
Goodwin College staff and students may also help in the classroom, providing teachers and students with access to best practices and the latest research.

Do children need to be potty trained before starting school?

If your child is not potty trained we will work with you and your child on a potty training plan.

How did we incorporate Reggio Emilia into the School’s design?

Our school is full of natural light to inspire a warm and friendly learning environment for children.

The school has lots of different spaces for children to work creatively.

The outdoor playground is made of natural materials to simulate nature.

We have created community areas for children and families to come together for special events or meeting

Will there be a rest-time?

Rest-time is part of the Pre-K daily schedule.

Do we participate in Care for Kids (Reimbursement for Afternoon Studio)?

We will work with parents and guardians, if they qualify, to make these arrangements.